Just Enough For Her Little Dream: Book Two

Luna

"Hey. Who do you think I am? Your uber?! I only agreed to take care of your business in return for my housing payment."

"Can you let me talk, you brat?" Mr. Jeong sighs through the phone and mumbles, "Geez. You don't even let me finish my sentence."

"What is it? If it's more than five miles away from the bookstore, I won't pick you up."

"I'd rather walk than risk my life with you! It's for my wife. She left her phone at our place and she needs someone to take it to her to the hospital. Do you know where the spare keys are at?"

"Of course, I do. I went once to steal from you, but you have nothing of value."

I smile at the sound of his annoyed mumbles. "You punk. Just go and do as I say! Text me when you've given it to her."

"Sure."

I didn't have a car of my own before in my life. But thanks to them, I am able to have my transportation. I learned how to drive whenever I had to steal cars or motorcycles to run away from the police, but now I peacefully drive on the streets.

I wipe my shoes on the front mat and enter their small apartment. I am always so amused whenever I enter this place. I try to avoid coming here. It used to make me jealous and angry. But now it only makes me sad. Pictures of their wedding and a small girl still stand tall on shelves. It's so clean and tidy. There's always light in here.

I find her phone and step out quickly before my mind decides to bring back memories of the dark rooms of the orphanage. I race to the nearest hospital in Busan and step into the reception area. I give the security by the door a quick bow before asking for Mrs. Jeong.

"Oh that's right!" the receptionist says. "She said to wait for her by the coffee shop. Just go straight down into this hall and then left. You'll see a big open area with a small coffee counter."

I give the lady a nod and start down the hallway. Like always, people seem to sense the hidden past I have inside of me. They stare at me with daunting eyes and I have to keep my eyes forward so I don't give them a single glimpse of what they're looking for underneath my eyes.

I make it to the coffee area and sit at a table in a far corner. I sit back and close my eyes for a moment. Last night was one of the difficult ones where the pain was more than I can endure.

After what seems like hours, I hear the familiar soft voice of Mrs. Jeong. "Luna! I'm sorry I kept you waiting, honey."

I open my eyes and stand to give her a small bow. She always chuckles when I do this and waves it away. "Have you gotten something from the coffee shop? Do want anything?"

I shake my head and take out her phone from my pocket. She gives me that warm smile I've seen mothers give their children. "Thank you, Luna. You've saved my life."

Those words make me uncomfortable and I clear my throat. "Well, I should get going. I work at the bookstore in a little bit."

"You don't want to have a small coffee at least? Or a snack? I get it for free since I work here."

I stop myself from walking away when I see her shining eyes begging for me to stay. My heart softens and I sit back down. She smiles wide when she sees that I've decided to stay and says, "What would you like?"

"Just water is fine."

"How about a snack?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Okay. Let me just get my coffee and I'll be right back."

"Sure. Take your time."

I find it funny that she's so excited that I'm here with her as she walks off with a wide smile. I scoff at her and just get comfortable. It's the least I can do after all the kindness she's given me.

She comes back with a small cup of coffee and a cup of water. She lets out a relieved sigh and says, "I've been up since five in the morning. I think I should've just been an administrator rather than a nurse."

I do a small scoff. "You still can. You're young."

She lets out a laugh. "You sound like you're a thousand years older. I should be saying that to you!"

I let a smile start on my lips and take a sip of the water she has brought for me. We are silent for a moment until she says, "Make sure to eat before going to work, okay?" I nod. "You take strong medication. Make sure to eat before taking it. If you ever need anything, you know you can call me."

I nod. "Thank you. I will."

"Do-in told me something about bringing in some kids on the street with your irresistible beauty and then teaching them a lesson?"

I do a small laugh. "That's so specific. There have been some punks on the street bothering younger kids. I decided to teach the children a little life lesson with the help of those punks."

She does a sweet chuckle that makes her beautiful despite her old age. I don't know how Mr. Jeong got to win the heart of such a wonderful woman. But he is as kind as she is. Kind people seem to connect with each other the most.

This is why I can't seem to find that connection they seek from me. I try so hard to really let my heart bring down its walls, but there comes a point when they have to retreat. They let my heart be cold; afraid that their warmth might disappear if they interact with me for too long. But today, Mrs. Jeong seems extra dedicated to understanding my cold heart.

"Luna, have you thought of going to college? I heard that nurses can help sponsor young people that have difficulty getting into college. I can help if you need it."

I do a small smile. "Thank you. I finished college while I was in prison."

Her eyes lose their shine when I remind her that I've been in prison in my teens. She nods and says, "That's right. You're quite a smart girl. What did you end up studying?"

She's really dedicated today.

"Criminal Justice."

Her eyes grow wide. "Really? How ironic."

"I wanted to learn how to be a cop so I can put to jail the gang that put me in jail. What's more ironic is that they let me study to be a cop, but the training agency won't let me join."

"Why?"

"I have to wait ten years after I get out of prison."

"How many years has it been?"

"Ten years."

Mrs. Jeong scoffs. "Why don't you start applying for the training center?!"

"I like teaching taekwondo better."

She laughs at my joke. "You deserve to accomplish your dreams, Luna. Your mistakes and your past won't stop the universe from making you into what you're meant to be."

I'm quiet at these words. How does the universe know what I'm meant to be? I wasn't even meant to live. I've been pushed away since birth and the universe has the audacity to choose for me?

I hide the hint of annoyance from these words. I only give Mrs. Jeong a nod and watch her start to stand. She smiles as if she's done well today. She's barely touched the surface with me.

"Who knows?" she says before leaving. "Maybe you might be able to find the answers to all your questions if you become the woman you're meant to be."

I wait for her to turn around so I can scoff at her words. Perhaps in another world where I have none of the memories that haunt me every night.